Accessorize! Product Reviews

The Ant Commandos (TAC) Illuminated Drumsticks

These large diameter drumsticks by TAC actually light up red or blue when you strike them against hard surfaces. The light they give off is not particularly intense but it is definitely noticeable. We really liked the feel of the grip portion of the sticks, but they are extremely heavy compared to simple wooden sticks. Also, the illumination effects weren't as responsive as they should have been. Often, strikes against cymbals and even against pads wouldn't register accurately. Finally, one of the lights burned out after just a couple weeks of limited use.

MSRP: $19.99

Score: 2.1

Intercooler TS for PS3 and Xbox 360

The popular Intercooler cooling system by Nyko has been upgraded for both the PS3 and Xbox 360. Both TS units employ an array of fans that do a very good job of taking heat away from your console. They also both have the TempSmart sensor, which gauges just how hot your console is. That means the fans fire up automatically when needed and shut down when no longer necessary. The fans will continue to work after your console has shut off, bringing the internal temperature down quickly after use.

Each Intercooler TS was designed specifically for the console they protect and snap on easily to the back of the unit. The 360's rig is much smaller and seemed to fit the console better; it didn't get in the way of inputs at all. Though the PS3 Intercooler doesn't prohibit you from plugging things in, it is bulkier and tends to make the process much more difficult.

On the other hand, the PS3 Intercooler TS has adjustable fan speed that the 360 does not. This makes it much more pleasant while watching Blu-ray movies. Although, having these fans on at all while watching a movie is disconcerting. Why? Because the Intercooler TS make a lot of racket, regardless. There really is no way around it. You'll have to weigh the benefits of reduced wear and tear of your console against the noise the fans make. If you're far from your television and console, you'll likely not be bothered too much. However, if your within five or six feet it can be quite bothersome.

MSRP: $29.99 for both models

Score: 3.5

Wing Wireless Controller for Nintendo Wii

Who doesn't wish their Nintendo Classic Controller was wireless? How about feeling better in the hand? Well, Nyko has come up an alternative that solves both of these major issues. The Wing Wireless Controller uses a receiver dongle and sync feature to keep it in communication with the Wii Remote wirelessly. Syncing up the two is effortless, and the signal sent between the two controllers seemed to be as strong as the wired setup. The ability to play Virtual Console games wirelessly is a real treat; getting rid of the tethered experience was far more comfortable.

As cool as wireless capabilities obviously are, the ergonomic shape of the Wing may be better. The clunky kidney bean design of Nintendo's model has been dropped for a far more natural feel. In fact, the Wing feels similar to the original PlayStation controller though a bit smaller. The face buttons are every bit as responsive as the first-party option, and the placement of the shoulder buttons is far superior. However, the shoulder buttons are a bit noisy; the large buttons make an annoying, springy squeak when depressed.

Rounding out the features, the controller uses two AAA batteries that last forever (30 hours). And, if you have a pair of rechargeable AAAs in the controller, you can buy a mini USB cable and charge them directly through the unit! All in all, this is a much better controller than what Nintendo has to offer. Any serious Virtual Console gamer needs check this baby out.